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The United States Merchant Marine Academy definitely has some issues it needs to work out into the future, but these issues are the same being faced at all the other Federal Service Academies and many civilian colleges.The options you have upon graduation are absolutely phenomenal. There are few colleges in the United States that offers you a full ride and a guaranteed six figure salary upon graduation as well as a commission as an officer into the one of the seven Uniformed Services of the United States

We started with about 280 or so Plebe year and we graduated in 2003 with 200. The school is definitely not for everyone if you don't come academically, physically, and mentally prepared.

Kings Point (USMMA) was by far a lot tougher than going through my MBA program or writing my thesis. Every experience since then has been a walk-in-the-park, relatively speaking.

The Academy definitely challenges you like no other school because of that final licensing program you need to pass before you can attain your commission and degree, albeit for an industry that is waning. Also, the experience of traveling around the world for 1 year opens your eyes. Traveling to nearly 20 countries before graduation changed my outlook on life and has brought about awareness that a traditional ?exchange program? doesn?t even come close too.

I hated being there but it?s a great place to graduate from, as our saying goes. The life of "suck" brings you close together and you make friends for a lifetime. It also doesn?t hurt that NYC is less than 30 mins away door-to-door by train.

You won't get the "frivolous fluff" like most universities that focus more on sports, clubs, etc. Kings Point is more about putting you through the meat grinder (putting 10lbs of crap into a 5lb bag) and making you an industry leader.

I would say that one of the most valuable experiences taken away from the Academy is the preparation for environments that are beyond having a degree, a commission, or a license.

This is the worst place ever, but the greatest place to be from. I am almost done with the worst four years of my life, but fully expect it to be worth it. Sea year is a fantastic experience that lets you know your industry, and see the world. Waterfront is a part of this school that is second to none. The administration is awful and off track, but hopefully will improve someday. The midshipmen stick together mostly. The teachers are either great, and here for a short time; or terrible and have no hope working anywhere else. Overall, it is worth it if you truly want to go to this school to become a merchant marine officer.